Colorful Sea Whip (Leptogorgia Virgulata)

Common Name: Colorful Sea Whip
Scientific Name: Leptogorgia virgulata
Type: Photosynthetic gorgonian (soft coral)

• Lighting: Moderate lighting is best.
• Water Flow: Medium to strong, indirect water flow. 
• Water Temperature: Water temperature needs to be cool. 72 - 78˚F.
• Feeding:Leptogorgia hebes is photosynthetic but benefits from supplemental feeding
  • • Phytoplankton
    • Fine zooplankton
    • Liquid coral foods
    • Marine snow–type productsFeed 1–3 times per week with the following recommended foods:
  • Target feeding is helpful but not required if the tank is nutrient-rich
• Algae growth on the branches can smother tissue. Prevent by:
  • Maintaining good water flow
  • Keeping nutrients (nitrate/phosphate) in check
  • Avoiding excessive lighting
    • If algae appears, gently increase flow rather than brushing the coral
• Supplements: Benefits from stable reef parameters:
  • Calcium: 380–450 ppm
  • Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
  • Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
    • Trace elements, iodine, strontium and calcium may support growth but must be dosed cautiously. 

• ReproductionAsexual reproduction through branching or fragmentation
  • Broken branches can attach and grow into new colonies
  • Sexual reproduction is rare in home aquariums
  • Fragging is possible for experienced hobbyists using clean, sharp tools